Gallery: The big idea: Nov. 14, 2012

Jim Allivato, director of business development at Bolingbrook-based ATI Physical Therapy, registers for the silent auction with Laura Triffler. Chicago Bulls tickets and vacations were among the items.

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Linden

Ellen Costello, CEO of BMO Financial Corp and U.S. country head of BMO Financial Group, and Deborah DeHaas, vice chairman and central region managing partner of Deloitte LLP. The two are the only women to win the Daniel H. Burnham award in its 21-year history.

John Rogers Jr., chairman, CEO and chief investment officer of Ariel Investments LLC, and Andrew Ross, chief operating officer for the state of Illinois. Mr. Rogers received the Burnham award from the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce in 2011.

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Linden

State of Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford; Scott Swanson, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce board chair and president, Charter One and RBS Citizens N.A. Charter One and RBS Citizens were the gala's exclusive presenting sponsor.

Alan McNally talks with Martha O'Bryan at the 21st Annual Daniel H Burnham Dinner held by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce at the Hilton.

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Linden

"The best thing to fight crime and keep families together is a J-O-B," Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said during pre-dinner remarks.

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Linden

Gerald Roper, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, presents flowers to Burnham award winner Ellen Costello, CEO of BMO Financial Corp. and U.S. country head of BMO Financial Group. "It's so cool to get the Miss America bouquet," said Deborah DeHaas (not pictured), Deloitte LLP vice chairman and central regional managing partner, who won the award in 2004.

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Linden

"My ask to you is to support United Way," Burnham award winner Ellen Costello, who is also board chair of United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, told gala goers. United Way, she explained, funds programs that "create an environment for kids to learn and thrive," necessary to boost graduation rates at city high schools.

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